04-02-2025
House OKs resolution on cell phones in schools
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — A state lawmaker wants school boards throughout South Dakota to develop and carry out policies regarding cell phones and other communications devices during instructional time.
The resolution sponsored by Republican Rep. Kathy Rice received substantial support from the state House of Representatives on Tuesday.
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State Education Secretary Joe Graves told a legislative study committee last year that limiting cell phone usage has had a positive impact on the school day in the districts where controls had been put in place. But, he said, a statewide policy would need to respect local decisions so that schools could experiment.
The 55-12 vote sends House Concurrent Resolution 6005 to the Senate for further action. The lead Senate sponsor is Republican Lauren Nelson, a long-time teacher and administrator.
House members however had mixed feelings on another resolution they considered Tuesday.
Republican Rep. Tina Mulally wanted the House to affirm South Dakota voters' rejection of CO2 pipelines last year and urge U.S. President Donald Trump to avoid interfering with the proposed Summit Carbon Solutions CO2 pipeline through exercise of federal eminent domain powers.
But Republican Rep. William Shorma called for the defeat of House Concurrent Resolution 6004 defeat, saying it was redundant.
The House vote was 34-33. That was two ayes short of the 36 majority needed for approval in the 70-seat House.
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